The V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin plans to scale up cargo handling in this financial year, and has set a target of handling 50 million tonne of cargo.

To augment the capacity of the bulk cargo handling at the port, the north cargo berth-III (NCB-3) with length overall (LOA) of 306 mtrs. will be dredged by the port by October this year to handle vessels up to 14.20 mtrs. draft. The dredging work will also be done parallelly in the entrance channel, approach channel and turning circle area of the port. The augmentation and cargo evacuation will increase productivity and reduce the turnaround time of the vessels calling the port. 

The NCB-3 will be mechanised by JSW Infrastructure with shore unloaders capable of discharging seven million tpa. Also, the port’s third container terminal, Tuticorin International Container Terminal, operated by JM Baxi Group will have a draft of 14.20 mtrs., LOA of 370 mtrs.. and capacity to handle six lakh TUEs of containers. The structural work, surface treatments, fenders and bollards have been completed. Berth refurbishment, fixing of crane rails and cabling are being executed for commissioning by September 2024.